The Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute hosted its inaugural conference at the University of Southern Maine from July 31 to August 1, 2023. Titled the Vacationland Conference, the event brought together over 100 education and industry partners from around the state including: 55 high school counselors and college admission representatives, 24 faculty, staff, and students from across the University of Maine System, and 27 industry and community partners. Three community partners from Greenland were also in attendance.
During two powerful days of connection, participants engaged in panel discussions and breakout room sessions focused on the vast array of opportunities encompassed by the THOR industries (both in the state of Maine and beyond). With a strong emphasis on the student experience, as well as industry needs and momentum, the conference ultimately highlighted the many rewarding careers available in tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation – and how access to these careers can be enhanced through higher education.
Day one of the conference kicked off with a “Do What You Love” panel where industry partners discussed how they have made successful careers out of their hobbies and passions in THOR. Attendees then had a chance to connect with various organizations and businesses in travel and tourism, hospitality management, and outdoor recreation through a breakout room session. The “There’s More to THOR” luncheon panel touched upon the many career disciplines embedded in these industries such as: communications, photography, financial management, and journalism. A campus tour and cruise around Casco Bay wrapped up the afternoon, which provided valuable time to network and debrief on the day’s discussions.
The second day of programming focused on all the ways the University of Maine System supports educational pathways related to THOR. The morning opened with a “Student and Alumni Success in THOR” panel where both current and former students shared the many transformational opportunities for experiential learning they have been able to take advantage of through their studies. Following the student panel, all seven of Maine’s public universities came together to host a breakout session where participants had the chance to tour through the universities and programs, connecting with faculty, admissions representatives, and students.
The conference concluded with the presentation of scholarship awards to 30 high schools across the state for graduating seniors who plan to take courses in the tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation fields. As high school counselors share these opportunities with their students, it is estimated that the number of students potentially reached from attending the conference could approach 11,000.
Throughout the event, the energy and commitment to serving students, the industries, and the state was palpable and the THOR Institute is so grateful for all those who participated and helped make this first conference a success.
The conference was made possible by a grant from the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan – the proposal put forth by Governor Mills and supported by the Maine Legislature to invest the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan relief funds, including in University of Maine System workforce development.